Croatia luxury yacht charter
Croatia boasts emerald isles scattered along its captivating coastline, a long summer cruising season and a heady mix of kaleidoscopic bays, enchanting towns, unspoilt dive sites and scintillating nightlife, making it an ideal location on the Adriatic coast for a luxury yacht charter thanks to its alluring mix of the old and new. Experience the wild beauty of the Krka and Kornati national parks, kick back in the paradise party destination Hvar, take in history in Dubrovnik and enjoy blissfully quiet coves, cultural highs and some of Europe’s best anchorages throughout the Balkan country.
Croatia yacht season and weather
Croatia’s long summer season is one of its most attractive assets. Bathed in sunshine for 315 sunny days a year, the main season runs from May to October. Those looking to enjoy the party atmosphere should visit during the peak months of July and August, when average temperatures are between 25C and 30C. Charterers in search of a more relaxing vibe should visit in May, June, September and October when cruising grounds are much quieter.
Croatia yacht charter itineraries
Passages between cruising destinations rarely exceed two hours. Key harbours include Split ACI marina (accommodating up to 90 metres), Dubrovnik ACI marina (accommodating up to 45 metres), ACI Marina Skradin by the Krka National Park (accommodating up to 70 metres), D-Marin Mandalina at Sibenik (accommodating up to 70 metres) and ACI Pula (accommodating up to 55 metres).
Begin a southern Croatia charter in the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, where the winding cobbled streets are brimming with stylish boutiques, galleries and cafés. It’s a quick eight nautical-mile hop to the stunning Elaphite islands before pushing on to Mljet island where you can drop anchor in the nature reserve of Polace on Mljet. The indented island of Korcula is a 17 nautical-mile cruise from Mljet and boasts some of the best anchorages in the Med. The ACI marina in Korcula accommodates craft up to 50 metres LOA, or larger yachts can anchor south of Badija islet. South of Korcula, the verdant isle of Lastovo offers back-to-nature tranquillity, while Hvar – the Saint-Tropez of the Dalmatian coast – is a 30 nautical-mile cruise and the place to see and be seen come summer. When it’s time for peace rather than partying, head across the bay to the glittering isles of Sveti Klement or anchor off the quieter island of Šcedro, nine nautical miles south-east of Hvar Town. It’s then a sun-soaked pick-and-mix of neighbouring islands – the deep, sheltered bays of Vis, the forested slopes of Solta, and Brac’s famous tapering sand spit at Bol before disembarking in Split.
Charterers wishing to sample the magic of northern Croatia can venture in easy hops from Split to the captivating romanesque-gothic town of Trogir (10 nautical miles), then on to the historic port of Sibenik (30 nautical miles) with its forested islands and the cascading waterfalls of the Krka National Park. The spellbinding Kornati islands are a 20 nautical-mile cruise north – a treasure trove of piercing turquoise bays ripe for exploration. Charterers can then make short passages to the belle époque mansions of Zadar, historic Rab, the jaw-dropping Brijuni islands and the largest Istrian city of Pula, with its stunning Roman amphitheatre.
Croatia by superyacht
Getting to Croatia
Croatia’s main airports are located in Split, Dubrovnik, Pula and Zagreb. There are more than 25 airports in Croatia that can cater for private jet clients including Hvar private airport, Lošinj airport, Brac Island Airport and Zadar Airport.
Most charters are met in Split or Dubrovnik. An alternative route in for charters is to begin in the cultural Mecca of Venice, Italy, and cruise 75 nautical miles to the historic Istrian gem of Pula. Alternatively, berth at the ACI marina in Rovinj, which opened in 2019 and can host yachts up to 100 metres LOA.
Other charters may begin or end cruising around the UNESCO sites of Montenegro. Porto Montenegro has berths for yachts up to 250 metres LOA and is 60 nautical miles from Kotor to Dubrovnik, where there is a commercial airport and private jet terminal at nearby Tivat.
Legal requirements
A year-long charter licence is only required for vessels where passengers are embarking in Croatia. If passengers are boarding in a different EU country, a charter license and payment of Croatian VAT is not required. In some instances, however, Customs Officers or Harbour Masters will request proof that you have paid the VAT in the country of embarkation, so have documentation at the ready.
Croatian permits are necessary for watersports like diving and fishing, with the National Parks of Mijet and the Kornati islands requiring special dive permits.